On Saturday 27 April, I was lucky enough to cover the Freedom Day celebrations in Makhanda, which gave me the unique opportunity to be within a 5m radius of the President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa. While others at Grocott’s Mail were tasked with the writing and social media updates of the event, I was given the task of taking great photos. Here are the best photos that I took on the day:
There were several highlights of the day, however my close proximity to the president afforded me the opportunity to capture some great portraits of Ramaphosa:
President Cyril Ramaphosa is escorted by his guard of honour after the presidential salute at Miki Yili Stadium. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
President Cyril Ramaphosa stands at attention while the marching band plays the national anthem. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The President of the Republic of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa makes his way from the Miki Yilli Stadium to the Noza Indoor Sports Centre, after the Freedom Day celebrations drew to a close. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
President Cyril Ramaphosa laughs at a joke that was told on stage, while Premier Phumulo Masualle (right) and Minister Nathi Mthethwa (left) look on. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
President Cyril Ramaphosa is escorted by his guard of honour after the presidential salute at Miki Yili Stadium. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The President of the Republic of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa makes his way from the Miki Yilli Stadium to the Noza Indoor Sports Centre, after the Freedom Day celebrations drew to a close. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
President Cyril Ramaphosa joined the members of the Kwantu Choir after his keynote address. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
Praise poet gave welcome to President Cyril Ramaphosa ahead of his address. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
However, the highlight of the day on the whole was the official military flyovers and the photos I managed to get while experiencing the full military parade:
The police were out watching over Makhanda as the president made his way to Miki Yili stadium for the 2019 Freedom Day Celebrations. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The training jets from different air force bases across South Africa flew over the military proceedings ahead of the president’s official address. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The training jets from different air force bases across South Africa flew over the military proceedings ahead of the president’s official address. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The training jets from different air force bases across South Africa flew over the military proceedings ahead of the president’s official address. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
Two helicopters carrying the Flag of the President of South Africa (Left) and the South African National Flag fly over the military proceedings at Miki Yili stadium. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The training jets from different air force bases across South Africa flew over the military proceedings ahead of the president’s official address. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
Two helicopters carrying the Flag of the President of South Africa (Left) and the South African National Flag fly over the military proceedings at Miki Yili stadium. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The sun shines over the South African Flag on Freedom Day 2019
The sun shines over the South African Flag on Freedom Day 2019
The training jets from different air force bases across South Africa flew over the military proceedings ahead of the president’s official address. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The training jets from different air force bases across South Africa flew over the military proceedings ahead of the president’s official address. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The training jets from different air force bases across South Africa flew over the military proceedings ahead of the president’s official address. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
Here are the rest of the photos from the day:
Minister Nathi Mthethwa (left), President Cyril Ramaphosa (middle), and Eastern Cape Premier Phumulo Masualle bow their heads in reverence during the moment of silence for all those lost in the recent floods and tropical storms in Southern Africa. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The military marching band performs ahead of President Ramaphosa’s arrival at Miki Yili stadium. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The military marching band performs ahead of President Ramaphosa’s arrival at Miki Yili stadium. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
A senior military official helps the guard of honour prepare for their role escorting the President, Cyril Ramaphosa. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
His Excellency, The President of the Republic of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa addresses the crowd at Miki Yili for the 2019 Freedom Day Celebrations. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The sun shines over the South African Flag on Freedom Day 2019
The military parade performing maneuvers as President Cyril Ramaphosa entered the Miki Yili Stadium. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The tents on the field at Miki Yili were filled with ANC supporters and others that came to hear the Presidential address. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
Members of the public sing and wave flags in celebration of the 2019 Freedom Day programme at Miki Yilli Stadium. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The military marching band performs ahead of President Ramaphosa’s arrival at Miki Yili stadium. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The Kwantu Choir, which is based in Makhanda, sang a multitude of songs for President Ramaphosa and the gathered supporters throughout the celebrations at Miki Yili. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
Praise poet gave welcome to President Cyril Ramaphosa ahead of his address. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The tents on the field at Miki Yili were filled with ANC supporters and others that came to hear the Presidential address. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
President Cyril Ramaphosa stands at attention while the marching band plays the national anthem. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The tents on the field at Miki Yili were filled with ANC supporters and others that came to hear the Presidential address. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
ANC supporters and other members of the public celebrate 25 years of freedom at the 2019 Freedom Day event at Miki Yili. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The tents on the field at Miki Yili were filled with ANC supporters and others that came to hear the Presidential address. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
President Cyril Ramaphosa stands at attention while the marching band plays the national anthem. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The tents on the field at Miki Yili were filled with ANC supporters and others that came to hear the Presidential address. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The military marching band performs ahead of President Ramaphosa’s arrival at Miki Yili stadium. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The tents on the field at Miki Yili were filled with ANC supporters and others that came to hear the Presidential address. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The Kwantu Choir, which is based in Makhanda, sang a multitude of songs for President Ramaphosa and the gathered supporters throughout the celebrations at Miki Yili. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The military marching band performs ahead of President Ramaphosa’s arrival at Miki Yili stadium. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
President Cyril Ramaphosa joined the members of the Kwantu Choir after his keynote address. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
President Cyril Ramaphosa joined the members of the Kwantu Choir after his keynote address. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The Kwantu Choir, which is based in Makhanda, sang a multitude of songs for President Ramaphosa and the gathered supporters throughout the celebrations at Miki Yili. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
President Cyril Ramaphosa is escorted by his guard of honour past the gathered generals before the presidential salute at Miki Yili Stadium. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
Two helicopters carrying the Flag of the President of South Africa (Left) and the South African National Flag fly over the military proceedings at Miki Yili stadium. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The Kwantu Choir, which is based in Makhanda, sang a multitude of songs for President Ramaphosa and the gathered supporters throughout the celebrations at Miki Yili. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The training jets from different air force bases across South Africa flew over the military proceedings ahead of the president’s official address. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
President Cyril Ramaphosa is escorted by his guard of honour before the presidential salute at Miki Yili Stadium. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The tents on the field at Miki Yili were filled with ANC supporters and others that came to hear the Presidential address. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
President Cyril Ramaphosa is escorted by his guard of honour after the presidential salute at Miki Yili Stadium. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The tents on the field at Miki Yili were filled with ANC supporters and others that came to hear the Presidential address. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
President Cyril Ramaphosa is escorted by his guard of honour past the gathered generals before the presidential salute at Miki Yili Stadium. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
ANC supporters and other members of the public celebrate 25 years of freedom at the 2019 Freedom Day event at Miki Yili. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The Executive Mayor of the Sarah Baartman District Municipality, Cllr Khunjuzwa Eunice Kekana ended the proceedings of the 2019 Freedom Day Celebrations at Miki Yili with a vote of thanks. Photom Stephen Kisbey-Green
The training jets from different air force bases across South Africa flew over the military proceedings ahead of the president’s official address. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The tents on the field at Miki Yili were filled with ANC supporters and others that came to hear the Presidential address. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
Celebrations and clapping were the order of the day at Miki Yilli Stadium, during the 2019 Freedom Day Celebrations. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
Praise poet gave welcome to President Cyril Ramaphosa ahead of his address. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The tents on the field at Miki Yili were filled with ANC supporters and others that came to hear the Presidential address. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The conductor of the Makhanda-based Kwantu Choir, from Makhanda himself, was overjoyed to have his choir perform for the President of South Africa. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The training jets from different air force bases across South Africa flew over the military proceedings ahead of the president’s official address. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
ANC supporters and other members of the public celebrate 25 years of freedom at the 2019 Freedom Day event at Miki Yili. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The training jets from different air force bases across South Africa flew over the military proceedings ahead of the president’s official address. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The tents on the field at Miki Yili were filled with ANC supporters and others that came to hear the Presidential address. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The tents on the field at Miki Yili were filled with ANC supporters and others that came to hear the Presidential address. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The tents on the field at Miki Yili were filled with ANC supporters and others that came to hear the Presidential address. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The Kwantu Choir, which is based in Makhanda, sang a multitude of songs for President Ramaphosa and the gathered supporters throughout the celebrations at Miki Yili. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The Kwantu Choir, which is based in Makhanda, sang a multitude of songs for President Ramaphosa and the gathered supporters throughout the celebrations at Miki Yili. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The military marching band performs ahead of President Ramaphosa’s arrival at Miki Yili stadium. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The generals, admirals and other high ranking military officials eagerly await the arrival of the President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The training jets from different air force bases across South Africa flew over the military proceedings ahead of the president’s official address. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The MEC of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Bulelwa Tunyiswa addressed the crowd at Miki Yili stadium before the president spoke at the 2019 Freedom Day Celebrations. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
Praise poet gave welcome to President Cyril Ramaphosa ahead of his address. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The police were out watching over Makhanda as the president made his way to Miki Yili stadium for the 2019 Freedom Day Celebrations. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The tents on the field at Miki Yili were filled with ANC supporters and others that came to hear the Presidential address. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The tents on the field at Miki Yili were filled with ANC supporters and others that came to hear the Presidential address. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The military marching band performs ahead of President Ramaphosa’s arrival at Miki Yili stadium. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
Praise poet gave welcome to President Cyril Ramaphosa ahead of his address. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
President Cyril Ramaphosa joined the members of the Kwantu Choir after his keynote address. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The motorcade which escorted the president of South Africa to Miki Yili Stadium for the 2019 Freedom Day Celebrations. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
President Cyril Ramaphosa is escorted by his guard of honour before the presidential salute at Miki Yili Stadium. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The men in the crowd were asked to stand and acknowledge the different leaders, heroes and legends that helped bring about freedom 25 years ago. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
President Cyril Ramaphosa joined the members of the Kwantu Choir after his keynote address. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The tents on the field at Miki Yili were filled with ANC supporters and others that came to hear the Presidential address. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The tents on the field at Miki Yili were filled with ANC supporters and others that came to hear the Presidential address. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The Kwantu Choir, which is based in Makhanda, sang a multitude of songs for President Ramaphosa and the gathered supporters throughout the celebrations at Miki Yili. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
President Cyril Ramaphosa enters the Miki Yili Stadium for the 2019 Freedom Day Celebrations. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
performers in their traditional dress ready to listen to the presidential address. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
There seemed to be more people queuing up to receive food packages outside the tent than there were inside celebrating with the choir during the 2019 Freedom Day Celebrations at Miki Yili Stadium. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
Members of the Makhanda community, some dressed in ANC Regalia and Colours, walk into the tent where the President, hail Ramaphosa, had just finished his address. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The military marching band performs ahead of President Ramaphosa’s arrival at Miki Yili stadium. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
Praise poet gave welcome to President Cyril Ramaphosa ahead of his address. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The tents on the field at Miki Yili were filled with ANC supporters and others that came to hear the Presidential address. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The tents on the field at Miki Yili were filled with ANC supporters and others that came to hear the Presidential address. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
Supporters dressed in ANC regalia and colours were all smiles after seeing the South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa live at Miki Yili. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
ANC supporters and other members of the public celebrate 25 years of freedom at the 2019 Freedom Day event at Miki Yili. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
Everyone in attendance at the Miki Yili Stadium for the 2019 Freedom Day Celebrations was given a free small South African Flag. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The tents on the field at Miki Yili were filled with ANC supporters and others that came to hear the Presidential address. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
President Cyril Ramaphosa is escorted by his guard of honour before the presidential salute at Miki Yili Stadium. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The tents on the field at Miki Yili were filled with ANC supporters and others that came to hear the Presidential address. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The military parade performing maneuvers as President Cyril Ramaphosa entered the Miki Yili Stadium. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The traditional leaders, chiefs, kings and queens were all present to listen to the presidential address at the 2019 Freedom Day Celebrations at Miki Yili. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
A giant South African flag was sent over the crowd as the President walked into the tent. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
Praise poet gave welcome to President Cyril Ramaphosa ahead of his address. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The tents on the field at Miki Yili were filled with ANC supporters and others that came to hear the Presidential address. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
President Cyril Ramaphosa joined the members of the Kwantu Choir after his keynote address. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The traditional leaders, chiefs, kings and queens were all present to listen to the presidential address at the 2019 Freedom Day Celebrations at Miki Yili. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The tents on the field at Miki Yili were filled with ANC supporters and others that came to hear the Presidential address. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The President of the Republic of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa makes his way from the Miki Yilli Stadium to the Noza Indoor Sports Centre, after the Freedom Day celebrations drew to a close. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The tents on the field at Miki Yili were filled with ANC supporters and others that came to hear the Presidential address. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
performers in their traditional dress ready to listen to the presidential address. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
ANC supporters and other members of the public celebrate 25 years of freedom at the 2019 Freedom Day event at Miki Yili. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
performers in their traditional dress ready to listen to the presidential address. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
Praise poet gave welcome to President Cyril Ramaphosa ahead of his address. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
President Cyril Ramaphosa laughs at a joke that was told on stage, while Premier Phumulo Masualle (right) and Minister Nathi Mthethwa (left) look on. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The Premier of the Eastern Cape, Phumulo Masualle addressed the crowd ahead of the President at the 2019 Freedom Day Celebrations at Miki Yili. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The tents on the field at Miki Yili were filled with ANC supporters and others that came to hear the Presidential address. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
President Cyril Ramaphosa stands at attention while the marching band plays the national anthem. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The tents on the field at Miki Yili were filled with ANC supporters and others that came to hear the Presidential address. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The tents on the field at Miki Yili were filled with ANC supporters and others that came to hear the Presidential address. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The sun shines over the South African Flag on Freedom Day 2019
The tents on the field at Miki Yili were filled with ANC supporters and others that came to hear the Presidential address. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The tents on the field at Miki Yili were filled with ANC supporters and others that came to hear the Presidential address. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The tents on the field at Miki Yili were filled with ANC supporters and others that came to hear the Presidential address. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The President of the Republic of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa makes his way from the Miki Yilli Stadium to the Noza Indoor Sports Centre, after the Freedom Day celebrations drew to a close. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The Kwantu Choir, which is based in Makhanda, sang a multitude of songs for President Ramaphosa and the gathered supporters throughout the celebrations at Miki Yili. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The Kwantu Choir, which is based in Makhanda, sang a multitude of songs for President Ramaphosa and the gathered supporters throughout the celebrations at Miki Yili. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The training jets from different air force bases across South Africa flew over the military proceedings ahead of the president’s official address. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The military marching band performs ahead of President Ramaphosa’s arrival at Miki Yili stadium. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
There was plenty of colourful outfits on display at the Miki Yili Stadium during the 2019 Freedom Day Celebrations. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The MEC of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Bulelwa Tunyiswa addressed the crowd at Miki Yili stadium before the president spoke at the 2019 Freedom Day Celebrations. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The training jets from different air force bases across South Africa flew over the military proceedings ahead of the president’s official address. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The MEC of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Bulelwa Tunyiswa (left) and Minister Nathi Mthethwa on stage at the 2019 Freedom Day Celebrations at Miki Yili. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
ANC supporters and other members of the public celebrate 25 years of freedom at the 2019 Freedom Day event at Miki Yili. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
A group of supporters, dressed in ANC regalia, gathered outside the tent at Miki Yili. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
ANC supporters and other members of the public celebrate 25 years of freedom at the 2019 Freedom Day event at Miki Yili. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The tents on the field at Miki Yili were filled with ANC supporters and others that came to hear the Presidential address. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
President Cyril Ramaphosa is escorted by his guard of honour after the presidential salute at Miki Yili Stadium. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The tents on the field at Miki Yili were filled with ANC supporters and others that came to hear the Presidential address. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The tents on the field at Miki Yili were filled with ANC supporters and others that came to hear the Presidential address. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The tents on the field at Miki Yili were filled with ANC supporters and others that came to hear the Presidential address. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
Supporters of the EFF showed up at Miki Yili during the 2019 Freedom Day Celebrations, after the President, Cyril Ramaphosa, had left the area. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The tents on the field at Miki Yili were filled with ANC supporters and others that came to hear the Presidential address. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The military parade performing maneuvers as President Cyril Ramaphosa entered the Miki Yili Stadium. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
Two helicopters carrying the Flag of the President of South Africa (Left) and the South African National Flag fly over the military proceedings at Miki Yili stadium. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
The tents on the field at Miki Yili were filled with ANC supporters and others that came to hear the Presidential address. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
President Cyril Ramaphosa joined the members of the Kwantu Choir after his keynote address. Photo: Stephen Kisbey-Green
Stephen Kisbey-Green Photography 